Handbook for an Unpredictable Life
Description
- Three Rivers Press CA
Product Description Oscar-nominated actress and star of the new musical drama Rise, Rosie Perez&;s never-before-told story of surviving a harrowing childhood and of how she found success&;both in and out of the Hollywood limelight. Rosie Perez first caught our attention with her fierce dance in the title sequence of Do the Right Thing and has since defined herself as a funny and talented actress who broke boundaries for Latinas in the film industry. What most people would be surprised to learn is that the woman with the big, effervescent personality has a secret straight out of a Dickens novel. At the age of three, Rosie&;s life was turned upside down when her mentally ill mother tore her away from the only family she knew and placed her in a Catholic children&;s home in New York&;s Westchester County. Thus began her crazily discombobulated childhood of being shuttled between &;the Home,&; where she and other kids suffered all manners of cruelty from nuns, and various relatives&; apartments in Brooklyn. Many in her circumstances would have been defined by these harrowing experiences, but with the intense determination that became her trademark, Rosie overcame the odds and made an incredible life for herself. She brings her journey vividly to life on each page of this memoir&;from the vibrant streets of Brooklyn to her turbulent years in the Catholic home, and finally to film and TV sets and the LA and New York City hip-hop scenes of the 1980s and &;90s.   More than a page-turning read, Handbook for an Unpredictable Life is a story of survival. By turns heartbreaking and funny, it is ultimately the inspirational story of a woman who has found a hard-won place of strength and peace. About the Author ROSIE PEREZ is an Oscar-nominated actress, whose credits include Do the Right Thing, White Men Can't Jump,Fearless, and The Counselor. She is the Artistic Chair of Urban Arts Partnership and sits on the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS.
Reviews
A**R
A true champ!
I have always loved the art of dance and when I was 17 years old, I was adamant that I wanted to audition to become a "Fly Girl" on In Living Color. By the time I turned 18 to audition, I found out that Rosie Perez was no longer the shows choreographer. I was crushed because I only wanted to work with her.I have always looked up to Rosie as a strong woman whom I knew had a rough start at life, though, reading her book, I never knew how tough it was. A lot of her life's experiences mirror mine, but only to a certain degree. I, too, am a lovable goofball with a crazy biological mother - who did NOT raise me. Rosie's book of perseverance, grace and heartbreak was an emotional rollercoaster of hilarity one minute then 3 sentences later, a flood of tears. A page turner for sure. I couldn't wait to find out "what happened next!"I have always said that Rosie was my "mentor and best friend (in my head)" and I'm proud to continue to feel this way. She's real and has always been "Puerto Rican first" - HOLLA!
P**K
Somewhat enjoable
Funny, sad, First part of the book seemed better written than the second part. In the second part she started sharing petty resentments, and it was no fun to read.No matter how hurt she may feel, it just doesn’t sound good in a book.
K**!
Be ready: Rosie will shake you up.
Her ability to overcome and face her challenges is a great inspiration for any woman. She takes you through a grueling roller coaster in her straight no pulled punches kick in the groin of a story.
I**.
Loved it!
I couldn't put the book down. Rosie Perez is a true inspiration, and writes with both pathos and humor. I've always enjoyed her performances, but knew nothing about her life. To be where she is today after coming from where she came from is nothing short of a triumph.
E**E
Excellent read
Excellent read! Funny, honest, poignant at times and very, very real. Liked Rosie before and really love and root for her after reading this book. She's a great example and model for those of recovering from rough beginnings. You go, Rosie.
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